1. Five of the Best Diesel Hot Hatches
2. SEAT Leon FR
3. Peugeot 207 GT HDi
4. Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch
5. Skoda Fabia vRS
6. Alfa Romeo 147 JTD

FR (meaning 'Formula Racing') is SEAT's affordable hot hatch brand and the Leon FR has just gone on sale in Britain. SEAT offers the Leon FR in both petrol and diesel versions and though the petrol car steals the headlines with its peak power figure (200PS vs. 170PS), the diesel FR significantly out punches its brother with much more torque (350 vs. 280Nm).

Not only is peak torque higher, there is also a big percentage of that torque available across the rev range, ensuring that, for most drivers, the diesel FR will be a quicker car in real-world conditions. Of course, the usual benefit of good fuel economy remains and company car buyers will be swayed by the tax-friendly CO₂ emissions.

The Leon FR stands up well in comparison to the similarly sized Astra and Alfa at £17,500, though it offers more performance than either.

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